Gloucester School Board sends governor letter seeking help

The Gloucester County School Board sent a letter on Thursday to Gov. Bob McDonnell seeking state financial assistance in the reconstruction of Page Middle School.

The letter, signed by Chair Anita Parker and Superintendent Ben Kiser, outlines the two options being considered as a long-term solution for Page Middle School: rebuilding on the existing site, or constructing a new school on property on T.C. Walker Road.

The School Board's insurance coverage is "insufficient to rebuild a modern school regardless of the location," according to the letter.

The county is facing additional long-term debt and "we are seeking all available state funding to help rebuild Page Middle School and offset the county's need to incur reasonable indebtedness. To date, we are uncertain of the status of the county's application to (Virginia Department of Emergency Management) but remain optimistic for state assistance including grants and interest-free or low-interest funding programs," according to the letter.

The School Board also expressed interest in funding available through the Virginia Department of Transportation to improve the intersection at T.C. Walker Road and Route 17. Improvements to the interesection "will be essential to ensure the safety of school buses traveling north and south on Route 17," according to the letter.